Linux vs. Windows

Linux or Windows... both can work for you!

The choice you have when purchasing a 1&1 shared hosting package is whether to opt for Linux or Windows technology. Both formats will work on any PC and are capable of powering impressive websites.

The operating system that you use on your computer should not govern your choice, all 1&1 packages come with FTP access and a range of web page publishing options so, if your computer runs on Microsoft ® Windows ® for instance, it doesn’t mean you have to opt for Microsoft web hosting… Linux hosting works just as well as Windows hosting.

Each technology, however, has its own distinct advantages for users.

Which is best for you?

Both technologies are well proven, with 1&1 supporting packages for both beginners and professional web developers. While you may have an allegiance to either Linux or Windows based on your choice of operating system or on what you’ve been advised, it is essential to choose the technology that is more suited to your style of web building.

Choose the right solution

Consider the tools and scripting language you plan to use – if you use PHP, MySQL or Perl together with a variety of software programs, Linux is the one for you. If the applications you plan to use are Windows-Specific, then Windows hosting is likely to be the right choice. Either way, check out all the features on the 1&1 shared hosting packages available, and you’ll see the variety of ways you’ll be able to bring your web project to life.

Linux hosting

When it comes to Web hosting, Linux is widely considered to be the best operating system for web servers. Characteristically reliable, stable and efficient, Linux is proven in the most demanding environments of web and mail servers.

If you plan to incorporate work that uses PHP, Perl or MySQL languages, Linux is the solution you should choose. Linux is also ideal for the kind of websites that display information as a brochure, in newsletter format or as data sheets. Linux works well for ‘brochure-ware’ sites that offer interaction via enquiry forms, online purchasing and other e-commerce functions.

When looking for ready-to-use solutions to power your website, applications such as blogs, content management systems or discussion boards, more open source applications can be found for Linux hosting, while software for Windows® hosting is more likely to be based on licensed sources you have to pay for.

Windows® hosting

Windows facilitates varying degrees of design and management through a drag-and-drop philosophy, via. Net Framework and SharePoint. By this, Windows presents an advantage when it comes to the integration of Windows applications when you’re designing your website. Essential Windows-specific applications such as ASP® will work particularly comfortably with a 1&1 Windows® hosting package.

Windows also presents an advantage if you plan to incorporate searchable databases to your website. The reduced development time and better integrated functionality characteristics of Windows® Hosting offer a real advantage for users wishing to incorporate database facilities to their website.

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